Teething Pup

Question
QUESTION: I have a 5/6month old Boerboel male pup that was rescued at 7 weeks or so, since then he's been with me.

He is now started teething for the past 2 weeks or so. I have given him some rubber chewy toys (which he seems to pay no interest in except for playing), as well as most days an hour or so of chewing his rawhides. These he absolutely adores, but he gobbles them up quite quickly compared to what I've seen with other dogs, and I've read they are not so good for CONSUMING a lot of them.

I have read about nylabones and KONG toys, but have yet to discover any place in my area that sells either (or even something similar).

What are other, better options to give him to chew on?

ANSWER: I am surprised you are having trouble finding Nylabones and Kongs.  All the stores have them here.  See  http://www.nylabone.com/  Maybe they can suggest a local supplier.  There are other similar brands here.  Look for sturdy, molded plastic or rubber.  

Rawhide is bad.  Not only is it high in fat dogs can choke on a piece they tore off or the stub end.  

There are also ropes.  Ropes from the pets' store quickly turn to hazardous shreds. Ones I made lasted much better. Go to a hardware or home center that sells rope by the foot. Buy 2' of 3/4" poly rope. Melt the ends, and tie knots in it. Get them as tight as possible, put it in a vise and pound it with a hammer. Watch carefully, and be ready to discard when it comes apart.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am actually in South Africa, so yeah I cannot find somewhere yet.
The rope sounds like a great idea though.

Someone also suggested to me frozen carrots, would cold really help for the soreness of teething?

Answer
Cold helps numb the pain.  One thing you can do at that stage is to knot and wet a piece of cloth. Then freeze it. The cooling will soothe the gums. Only let the puppy have it when you are there to watch it.

Try to arrange some play dates with other young dogs.  They enjoy chewing on each other.  You don't see blood unless one loses a tooth.